Because zinc is not prone to rust, patio furniture composed of this metal requires no painting to keep it safe from harsh weather elements. If you'd like to change the color of the patio furniture, painting is the answer. Unfortunately, zinc is not an ideal candidate for new finishes. Professional painters use metallic etching primers on zinc surfaces to ready them for paint. If you want the furniture's new finish to hold up to abrasion and weather, do likewise.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Remove any soft materials such as cushions from the furniture and place them in a safe area.
2. Wash the zinc patio furniture. Scrub the zinc with a water-based cleanser, using coarse steel wool. Don't use a soft sponge, as this may leave unseen dirt and oils behind. Rinse the patio furniture using a water hose. Place the furniture in the sun, and allow it to dry for at least an hour.
3. Cover any portions of the patio furniture that are to remain unfinished, or they will be ruined by primer and paint overspray. Masking paper and professional painter's tape are well suited for this. Don't use newspaper and/or masking tape, or bleed-through may occur.
Finishing
4. Place the furniture on a dropcloth to protect the work surface.
5. Prime the zinc furniture to promote a long-lasting finish. Use an etching primer with rust-inhibitive properties in case the furniture is made of another type of metal coated with a thin zinc layer. Don't brush the primer onto the furniture, as this will leave subtle flaws in the finish. Use spray cans of etching primer. Spray in a sweeping motion, maintaining 8 inches between the zinc furniture and the spray tip at all times. Let the furniture dry in the sun for three hours.
6. Paint the zinc patio furniture as you primed it. Use an enduring oil spray enamel.
7. Let the furniture dry in the sun for two hours. Add a second coat if coverage is poor.
Tags: patio furniture, etching primer, Place furniture, zinc furniture, zinc patio, zinc patio furniture
